‘Raiders’ return to families, friends

FORT CARSON, Colo. – As smoke filled the doorway of the Special Events Center, families and friends erupted with cheers and applause as their loved ones returned from a deployment to Kuwait, during a welcome home ceremony, June 16.

Approximately 290 1st Armored Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division Soldiers returned from a four-month deployment to Kuwait to conduct security cooperation and partnership exercises. This deployment is in accordance with the United States' longstanding bilateral defense cooperation with Kuwait. This partnership promotes security in the region.

“I’m super excited about him coming home,” said Cutler. “Our plans are just relaxing, and then on leave, we’re going to a convention in Indianapolis.”

Spc. Robert Varwig, cannon crewmember, Battery A, 4th Bn, 42nd Field Artillery Reg., found his wife, Hanna, and two sons, Tristan and Carter, and embraced them mere seconds after being released from formation.

“I’m just really excited to be home,” said Robert Varwig. “There are so many thoughts and feelings going through my head right now; it’s hard to describe what’s going on right now.

Hanna Varwig echoed her husband’s excitement.

“I’m so excited, I’ve been excited for a long time waiting for this day,” said Hanna Varwig. “Once we get out of here, we’re going in town, and just spending time together.”